He was born Aug. 12, 1918, in Lima, Ohio, to Herman and Essie (Parker) Barclay. On Nov. 11, 1942, he married Martha Powell, who died Sept. 4, 2009. They were married for 67 years.

Mr. Barclay graduated from Lima South High School in 1936.

He was a World War II Army veteran serving as a major in the coastal artillery on the east and west coasts from 1941-1946. He attended Ohio Northern University and received a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. He pursued a career with the Department of Agriculture as a soil conservationist for the state of Michigan. He lived in Adrian, Mich., from 1953-1968 before transferring to Grand Rapids.

He enjoyed the family farm in Ohio, planting trees, walking the fields, hunting and managing the crops. He was an avid reader and an active member of the Adrian and North Grand Rapids Rotary Club, last serving as secretary-treasurer, and was most proud of the project pursuing the eradication of polio on this planet. He also enjoyed his role as a mentor to high school students who were struggling with career choices.

He was preceded in death by a brother, George Barclay; sister, Lucille Montgomery; and
grandson, Scott Lee.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 26, at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton, Ohio. Bur Shilling will officiate. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima.

Memorial contributions may be made to the North Grand Rapids Rotary Club or the Parkinson’s Foundation. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.

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